Manhattan Beach Limits Helipads

The Manhattan Beach City Council has unanimously passed a stringent policy statement banning all helicopter landing pads in the city, except in manufacturing zones, where a conditional-use permit is required.

In previous discussions, the council said it would exclude from the ban helicopter landings for emergency medical and public-service purposes. The policy statement, however, did not specify those exemptions.

The only property in the city zoned for manufacturing houses TRW offices on Aviation Boulevard and Marine Avenue. A helipad--the only one in the city--has been maintained at that site since 1968.

The council's decision came after City Atty. Carl K. Newton determined that a ban could be defended in court.